Paved Road
Medium-duty collector road

Unpaved Road
Light-duty access / County road

Paved (Medium-Duty Collector) Road
Medium-Duty Collector Road refers to a typical paved roadway designed for moderate traffic volumes, including passenger vehicles, buses, delivery trucks, and occasional heavy vehicles. These roads connect local streets to larger arterial routes and require durable pavement structures for long-term performance. Outputs are qualified using the Giroud-Han (G-H) method via Tensar+® design software with the following parameters, are intended for preliminary evaluation only, and should be reviewed with a Ferguson specialist prior to use in construction.
Minimum Design Life
Required ESALs = 500,000+
Axel load = 18 kip
Tire pressure = 100 psi
Max. Rut depth = 3 in
HMA Layer
Coefficient = 0.44
Aggregate Base
Coefficient = 0.14
Drainage Factor = 1
CBR = 35%
Particle size = (D50 >= 27mm)
Chemically-treated subbase
Coefficient = .08
Drainage Factor = 1
Subgrade resilient modulus
2250 psi (very soft)(CBR = 1.5% soaked)
Reliability = 85%
Standard deviation = .49
Serviceability Initial = 4.2
Terminal = 2
Unpaved (Light-Duty Access/County) Road
Light-Duty Access / County Road refers to a typical unpaved roadway designed for lower traffic volumes, such as rural access roads, maintenance routes, agricultural roads, and temporary construction access. These roads are typically surfaced with dense-graded aggregate to provide stable, all-weather access. Outputs are qualified using the Giroud-Han (G-H) method via Tensar+® design software with the following parameters, are intended for preliminary evaluation only, and should be reviewed with a Ferguson specialist prior to use in construction.
Minimum Design Life
Required ESALs = 10,000+
Axel load = 18 kip
Tire pressure = 100 psi
Max Rut depth = 3 in
Aggregate Base
Coefficient = 0.14
Drainage Factor = 1
CBR = 35%
Particle size = (D50 >= 27mm)
Chemically-treated subbase
Coefficient = .08
Drainage Factor = 1
Subgrade resilient modulus
2250 psi (very soft)(CBR = 1.5% Soaked)
Reliability = 70%
Standard deviation = .49
Serviceability Initial = 4.2
Terminal = 2
Input Your Project Details
Input your your application, project size, and installed material costs to calculate different subgrade stabilization methods and determine cost savings.
(Dense-Graded Crushed) Aggregate Base
Dense-Graded Crushed Aggregate Base (Flexbase 247 Equivalent), a commonly used stone in temporary roadway applications, is a dense-graded crushed stone blend composed of angular, interlocking particles ranging from coarse aggregate to mineral fines. The material uses an approximate 1.5 in (37 mm) maximum top size with a well-distributed mix of fine fractions engineered to produce low in-place void space after compaction. It is designed for structural base applications and to achieve a compaction standard of 95% or greater Modified Proctor, or a comparable local density requirement.
Unsure on costs?
Our research - combining manufacturer intel, installer feedback, and DOT bid data - recommends an installed cost of about $50/ton, based on a unit weight of 133.33 lbs/ft3. Actual pricing varies +/- by region and project conditions. Contact a Ferguson Geo & Stormwater Expert for help fine-tuning your estimate.
Tensar InterAX (NX750) Geogrid
Tensar InterAx NX750 Geogrid, a commonly used stabilization geogrid for dense-graded crushed aggregates in temporary unpaved roadway applications. The geogrid creates mechanical interlock with angular stone, forming a composite reinforced layer that limits lateral spreading and improves load distribution under channelized construction traffic. By confining the aggregate, InterAx increases the effective modulus and bearing capacity of the unpaved section, allowing contractors to achieve the same rut resistance with reduced aggregate thickness compared with an unreinforced road. The material is designed to perform in wet and soft subgrades where excess moisture lowers resilient modulus, helping maintain a firm running surface for haul roads, access routes, and working platforms.
Unsure on costs?
Our research—combining manufacturer intel, installer feedback, and DOT bid data—recommends an installed cost of about $5.36/SY. Actual pricing varies +/- by region, representation level, and project conditions. Contact a Ferguson Geo & Stormwater Expert for help fine-tuning your estimate and quantifying aggregate reduction via use of geogrid through Tensar+ design software.
Lime Treated Subgrade
Lime Treated Subgrade, commonly used to improve weak or highly plastic soils in roadway applications, is created by mixing lime into the existing subgrade to reduce moisture sensitivity and increase strength. The lime reacts with clay particles to dry the soil, reduce plasticity, and form a more stable working platform through chemical stabilization. This process improves bearing capacity and constructability, allowing the subgrade to better support construction traffic and overlying pavement or aggregate sections.
Unsure on costs?
Our research - combining manufacturer intel, installer feedback, and DOT bid data - recommends an installed cost of about $1.25/SY-in. Actual pricing varies +/- by region and project conditions. Contact a Ferguson Geo & Stormwater Expert for help fine-tuning your estimate.
Cement Treated Subgrade
Cement Treated Subgrade, commonly used for strengthening moderate to weak soils in roadway applications, is created by blending Portland cement into the existing subgrade to form a hardened, stabilized layer. The cement reacts with the soil to significantly increase compressive strength and stiffness, creating a firm, durable platform that reduces deformation under load. This treatment improves load distribution and long-term performance of the overlying pavement or aggregate structure.
Unsure on costs?
Our research - combining manufacturer intel, installer feedback, and DOT bid data - recommends an installed cost of about $.71/SY-in. Actual pricing varies +/- by region and project conditions. Contact a Ferguson Geo & Stormwater Expert for help fine-tuning your estimate.
Dense Graded Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
Dense-Graded Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), a commonly used surface material for paved roadway applications, is a compacted blend of asphalt binder and well-graded aggregates designed to create a dense, durable, and low-void pavement layer. The mix is engineered with a continuous gradation of coarse and fine aggregates to achieve high stability, load distribution, and resistance to rutting under traffic. It is typically placed and compacted while hot to achieve target density and performance, forming a smooth, all-weather running surface suitable for roads, parking areas, and access routes.
Unsure on costs?
Our research - combining manufacturer intel, installer feedback, and DOT bid data - recommends an installed cost of about $108.11/ton, based on a unit weight of 148 lbs/ft3. Actual pricing varies +/- by region and project conditions. Contact a Ferguson Geo & Stormwater Expert for help fine-tuning your estimate.
Need Help Using the Subgrade Stabilization Cost Comparison Calculator or Additional Support on Your Project?
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